Why does Brazil have the most anxious population in the world?

Anxiety is a common condition among Brazilians, many of them dealing with palpitations before a test or sweaty palms in important meetings. However, the Brazil is also the country with the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders in the world, and understanding why this happens is essential to help people deal with this condition.

The Dangers of Anxiety

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While anxiety can be a normal response to stressful situations, it can become a problem when it starts to interfere with a person's everyday life.

Lack of sleep, difficulty breathing, and an inability to concentrate at work are all warning signs that should be evaluated by a mental health professional.

When not treated correctly, anxiety can trigger other psychological disorders, such as depression, which affects 300 million people worldwide, according to the Pan American Health (Opas).

Anxiety disorder in Brazil

Julia de Mello Precioso, a 19-year-old student, is one of the 18.6 million people in Brazil who suffer from an anxiety disorder. She described the symptoms she felt, such as lack of motivation, racing heart, shortness of breath and sudden mood swings.

Sadly, stories like hers are becoming more and more common, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by at least 25% during the first year of the pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Antônio Geraldo da Silva, president of the Brazilian Association of Psychiatry (ABP), attributed this increase to stress unprecedented effects caused by social isolation, in addition to restrictions on daily activities and the fear of contracting illness.

As a result, loneliness, suffering and the death of loved ones became stressors that led to anxiety and depression.

Brazil's leadership in the ranking of anxiety

According to WHO, Brazil has the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders in the world, with about 9.3% of the population suffering from pathological anxiety.

After Brazil, we have Paraguay with 7.6%, then Norway with 7.4%, New Zealand with 7.3% and Australia with 7%. Rafael Boechat, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Brasília (UnB), explained that the high rate of Violence in Brazil is a factor that generates anxiety in the population, since many people leave home for fear of being assaulted.

Psychologist Adriana Botarelli added that economic difficulties and limited access to mental health services contribute to the high number of anxious people in Brazil.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a mental health problem that affects many Brazilians, and its impact can be quite significant in people's lives, interfering with their ability to work, study and relate socially.

Lack of access to adequate mental health services, violence and insecurity, and stress resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, are some of the factors that contribute to the high prevalence of anxiety in Brazil.

It is essential that health authorities and society in general recognize the importance of mental health and work to provide more resources and support for people who suffer from anxiety and other disorders psychological.

Awareness and education are also important to help fight the stigma around anxiety and encourage people to seek help when needed.

It is important to remember that anxiety is a treatable condition and that seeking treatment should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather as a courageous way to take care of yourself. With proper treatment and support from family and community, it is possible to overcome anxiety and lead a full and healthy life.

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